Apparatus and method for stabilizing sloped embankments

Abstract

An apparatus and method for stabilizing sloped embankments is disclosed which utilizes interlocking barrier elements to form a step-like, cascading barrier to erosion and to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-install and aesthetically attractive landscaping wall, planter or landscaping island. The scallop or channel-like shape of the barrier elements creates filler spaces which may be filled with concrete, soil or other filler materials and in which vegetation may be planted. Each row of barrier elements within the system is locked in place by slip restraint devices which function to prevent vertical slippage of the rows. Adjacent barrier elements on the front most row are held together by frontal locking elements.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A barrier element comprising: a generally arcuate body having a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface intermediate its ends;   a first and second connector positioned on the ends of the generally arcuate body;   a third and fourth connector positioned adjacent one another on the convex exterior surface of the generally arcuate body; and   wherein the first and second connectors of a barrier element are each operatively couplable to one of a third and a fourth connector of another barrier element.   
     
     
       2. The barrier element of claim 1, wherein at least two of said connectors are parallel cylinders and the other two of said connectors are cylindrical bores. 
     
     
       3. The barrier element of claim 1, wherein said barrier element is scallop shaped. 
     
     
       4. The barrier element of claim 2, wherein said barrier element is scallop shaped. 
     
     
       5. The barrier element of claim 4, further comprising at least one slip restraint device having two female elements and means for securing said slip restraint device to interlocking barrier elements. 
     
     
       6. The barrier element of claim 1, further comprising an infill drainage plug having the shape of a void created between interlocking barrier elements. 
     
     
       7. The barrier element of claim 6, further comprising a means for fastening, said infill drainage plug in place at a base of the void created between interlocking barrier elements. 
     
     
       8. A wall system comprising; a plurality of rows, each row including a plurality of barrier elements in accordance with claim 1.   
     
     
       9. A method for stabilizing a slope or embankment comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of barrier elements, each barrier element having a concave interior surface, a convex exterior surface, and having means for interlocking with other barrier elements;   providing at least one slip restraint device;   providing at least one locking element;   forming a series of tiered rows having a first and at least a second row by interconnecting said barrier elements;   attaching said at least one slip restraint device to said convex exterior surface of said barrier elements; and   attaching said at least one locking element to said means for interlocking said barrier elements.   
     
     
       10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of interconnecting said barrier elements further comprises connecting female interlocking means on said concave interior surface of a barrier element with male interlocking means on said convex exterior surface of another barrier element. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of attaching said at least one slip restraint device to said convex exterior surface of said barrier elements further comprises attaching said restraint device to said male interlocking means on said convex exterior surface of said barrier elements. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of attaching said at least one slip restraint device further comprises using a screw to tighten said at least one slip restraint device in place, thereby preventing vertical slippage of said male and female interlocking means. 
     
     
       13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of attaching said at least one frontal locking element to said interlocking means of said barrier elements further comprises attaching said frontal locking element to said female interlocking means of a first row of said series of tiered rows.